How To Wrap It Up.

“How do I say goodbye at the end of a session?”

Sometimes we are having so much fun during the session, we don’t want to stop.  But should we?  Is it okay to continue pass the end time?  How do we stop the class so it’s not awkward?   

Should we stop? 

Depending on your time, your tutoring sessions and other students, you can decide if you can spare a few minutes to bring the session to an end so that it feels like the natural procession of things.

If you like to stay on time and close the class at the time scheduled, you can do that too.  Just plan to bring the conversation to a close at least 5mins or so prior to the end time.  This way you can say your “goodbyes” and “see you laters” before the time runs out.  Some prefer to wait for the time to run out and then say your goodbyes.  Looking for some good endings, try these:

·         The time has come so quickly…

·         Time truly flies when you’re having fun…

·         Next time, we will…

·         Let’s start here next time…

Is it okay to continue pass the end time? 

It is your time.  You can do whatever you want.  But it is good to keep in mind that you and your student may be in different time zones, so if you plan to go a little past your scheduled time, ask them if it is okay for them to do so.  It can show that you are sincere about really helping them reach their goal.  You can say:

• Can you spare a few minutes?

• Do you have time to do one more?

• If you must go, I understand, but if you can stay for a few more minutes, we can…

How do we stop the class so it’s not awkward?  

If you have a plan as to what you want to do in class, then you have already calculated how much time is needed for the activity.  Stick with your plan and just set an alarm to go off on silence or vibrate so that you can bring the class to an end.  Or if you are doing a question-and-answer session, you can judge by the way they are responding if you have time for one or two more questions.  Some students tend to talk a lot so you know you should close class on time.  Some who give shorter responses may have time for a few more because they are brief, and it won’t take that much more time.  So, you have to be observant, and you have to listen to your student in order to make this decision.

Remember that going past your scheduled time should be a benefit for you and the student.  Do not keep other students waiting, as it is considered rude and inconsiderate.  Check your schedule to ensure that you do or do not have extra time.  But if you do, sometimes it can be icing on the cake to show how serious you are about helping your students.

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash